ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, met with the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, on Friday to discuss enhanced cooperation in facilitating pilgrims and promoting interfaith harmony.
During the meeting, Ambassador Amiri Moghadam expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the recent floods in Pakistan. He conveyed Iran’s solidarity with Pakistan, affirming that Iran stands shoulder to shoulder with its brotherly neighbour during this difficult time, according to the state-run APP news agency.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on key global challenges, including religious intolerance, terrorism, sectarianism, and the urgent need to strengthen interfaith dialogue to foster peace and understanding.
Minister Yousaf stated that Pakistan is taking concrete steps to regularise pilgrim travel to Iran and Iraq. He announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims and workers travelling to Iran would soon be signed, in coordination with the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Interior, and Overseas Pakistanis.
Ambassador Amiri Moghadam also congratulated the minister and the Government of Pakistan on the successful organisation of the 50th International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference. He emphasised the importance of addressing contemporary challenges—such as the responsible use of social media—through the lens of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Iranian envoy expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their support during Israel’s recent aggression against Iran. He noted that Pakistan’s role in combating Islamophobia and terrorism remains highly significant.
Minister Yousaf further announced that Pakistan would host international Quran recitation competitions in November this year, describing it as another major honour following the Seerat-un-Nabi Conference. The Iranian envoy welcomed the initiative, calling it a unique recognition for Pakistan.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in facilitating Hajj and Umrah, and to expand exchanges of scholars and students from religious seminaries to promote modern education and mutual understanding.
